Brake pads Hawk Performance or OEM Volkswagen

I was overheating mine and switched to Hawk HPS 5.0. I’ve only run them in the street so far but they fit that role fine.

I use Hawk 5.0 with centric 120’rotors. Minimal dust, no noise. Cold performance friendly but enough room in the temp range. So I can beat on it at auto X but still Street friendly.

I would post up in some E90-specific forums and see if you can get some feedback there, or at least piston measurements to compare to your stock brakes.Like others have said, the biggest thing you're looking for is to not effect your brake bias.All this said, don't let this hold you back from getting some more seat time. Throw in some fresh fluid, maybe get the HT-10s (which I've had good luck with on track personally), and get some more days under you before spending money on mods.

I have a 2015 Sequoia and I use Hawk LTS pads with Stop Tech Sport slotted rotors. A bit more $$ but it’s your brakes, it’s worth it.

The biggest difference in stopping power for me was installing hawk hps 5.0 pads. I have a lot more confidence driving my prius fast with these pads. I feel like I’m slowing down faster than I ever thought was possible. Honestly have to watch it cuz if you have people behind you they can’t slow down as fast. Someone break checked me today and it was a non issue stopping faster than the car in front of me but I have good tires as well. (avid ascent GT) Only problem with the pads (for gen 3) is they were too thick for me to install both pads with new EBC rotors so I had to rotate the pads in with one old oem and to shave them down (or you can sand them down)

I use Hawk 5.0 street pads and they’re way more affordable than OEM and produce less brake dust

A set of euro ceramic pads is about $50, it's just not worth the drama for something so inexpensive right/wrong on VWs part. The DIY is v. simple but even if you pay a shop, it's an hour of labor to get on with your life.

I used up 40% of brand-new Hawk HPS pad in the front in 1 track day, so I only have 1 or 2 more track days left in them.

I am always happy using the cheapest ceramic pads I can find and the cheapest rotors I can find, no matter what car its going on. I have expensive Hawk Performance Ceramic on my STI and they're actually worse than the cheap stuff. Tons of dust and even some noise.

Bad pads from VW don't ever use OEM pads on Arteon!